The LG Spectrum is Verizon’s version of the LG Optimus LTE, LG’s latest high-end smartphone that’s done particularly well in other parts of the world. Verizon is the second US carrier to feature the Optimus LTE; AT&T began offering the Nitro HD in December.

Verizon has released a barrage of high-end smartphones over the past few months, and the LG Spectrum will be placed alongside a slew of other Android devices on Big Red’s network with the lofty goal of wooing customers away from the likes of the Droid RAZR, HTC Rezound and Galaxy Nexus superphones. But does the LG Spectrum differentiate itself enough to make it a must-have smartphone for Big Red?

1. Hardware and Performance

The innards of the device are where the Spectrum truly shines. The Spectrum features a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor with the now-standard 1GB of RAM. This combination makes the device truly fly. Even when running multiple programs in the background, the Spectrum performed exceptionally well with nary a hiccup in performance. If you want a phone that’s blazing fast, the LG Spectrum holds its own with even the top-of-the-line devices out there.

Sadly, it does not have an NFC chip inside, which is frankly a baffling move for a device that will feature Android 4.0 (more on that later).

2. Build Quality and Aesthetics

I really wanted to like the build quality in the Spectrum. Though LG had some problems with software (and, perhaps, hardware) on the T-Mobile G2x, the device remains one of the best feeling Android devices out there. Though I haven’t personally had time with the AT&T variant of the Optimus LTE, several reviewers stated the device felt nice in the hand, thanks in large part to the textured backing on the Nitro HD.

When it comes to the LG Spectrum, the textured backing has been swapped out for a glossy checkerboard-patterned cover that, though it certainly looks good, makes the device feel cheap and plasticky. Further, the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet, and it only feels clean after a fresh wipedown of the device. The Spectrum certainly doesn’t win in the build quality department, either, especially when it’ll be sitting next to the Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR line of smartphones.

3. Display

720p displays are certainly becoming a norm in higher end devices, and nowhere is this more true than on Verizon’s network. Though practically all devices Big Red releases feature a 720p display, the Spectrum’s 4.5-inch True HD IPS display stands out as one of the more gorgeous displays we’ve seen in a smartphone. Colors really shine on the Spectrum, especially when you crank the brightness up to the highest setting.

4. LTE

Though we’re almost sick of continually repeating this section at this point, Verizon’s LTE network covers the most people of any true 4G network in the country, and the speeds provided by Verizon LTE are ridiculously fast by any standards. With LTE capability, the Spectrum can easily churn through high definition video streaming and upload photos and video with ease.

5. Android 2.3 with LG's UI Overlay

By now, you’re probably painfully aware of my distaste for the custom UI skins carriers/manufacturers are keen to put on devices. Though there are certainly some good ones out there (I’m quite enjoying Touchwiz on the Epic Touch 4G, for example), they generally detract from the user experience Google has mastered in Android 4.0, and I believe the time is nigh to do away with them.

Unfortunately, these skins seem to be here to stay. LG has some serious work to do if it’s going to attract people to its UI. The categorized app drawer is hideous, and the launcher looks like a boxier version of Touchwiz. Fortunately, this problem is quickly remedied by installing a launcher replacement from the Android market.

Still, if you’re going to put money into the development of a UI overlay, be sure to make it differentiate itself in some way. Or, at least make it look pretty. In my opinion, LG’s does neither.

LG has promised to deliver Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich shortly, and we’ll update this review once the update hits our device. Hopefully LG releases a skinned-down version of Google’s latest OS, if not pure Android 4.0 altogether. Though without an NFC chip, we won’t be seeing Android Beam or Google Wallet hitting this device.

6. Camera Quality

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the LG Spectrum’s 8 megapixel 1080p capable camera. Though performance in low lighting for any smartphone camera is average at best, the Spectrum performed beautifully in medium to well lit situations. Pictures came out crisp and captured detail remarkably well. Videos came out good as well, though the auto-focus struggled a bit while taking video samples.

All in all, the camera on the Spectrum is one of the better cameras we’ve seen in an Android phone, and I’d argue you’ll be totally fine leaving the point and shoot at home if you’re going to be snapping a few photos in a reasonably well lit environment. Photo and video samples from the Spectrum can be found below.

7. Battery Life

The LG Spectrum is not the Droid RAZR Maxx; you won’t be able to get 24 or even 10 hours out of the device with moderate use. As with almost all LTE devices currently available, you’ll only be able to get through the standard 8.5-9 hour workday if you barely touch your device. The Spectrum fares about as well as the rest of the LTE devices, and I found it generally lasted about 7 hours before I was scrambling to find a charger.

As with most LTE devices, you’ll probably want to drop some money on an extended battery if you’re going to pick up the Spectrum. Fortunately, since the Spectrum runs a full $100 less on-contract than the top of the line devices, you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket to drop on an extended battery.

8. Call and Sound Quality

When placing phone calls, folks on the other end of the line were able to hear me perfectly well, and the sound on my end was pretty good, too. Speakerphone quality was also surprisingly good on the Spectrum. As for the speakers in general, the Spectrum provides pretty good sound output; movies and music played loud enough to hear them without having to stand or sit too close to the device.

9. Included Applications

Carriers are keen on loading extra applications on their devices, and Verizon is certainly as guilty as the rest. The Spectrum comes preloaded with several Verizon-branded applications, only a few of which proved useful. Of note, Verizon Video gives users access to a ton of video content, including live sporting events. I watched a bit of the Marquette at Notre Dame basketball game in HD quality — pretty handy for when you’re away from your TV or computer. You’ll also find access to several TV shows and other content.

Netflix HD and ESPN ScoreCenter HD come preloaded on the device to show off the HD capabilities of the IPS 720p display. I only tested out Netflix, but was really impressed with the video quality on the Spectrum’s screen. Consumers of video may want to take a hard and fast look at the Spectrum as a media consumption device.

As you’d expect, there are several other applications out there, some of which are arguably little more than free space takers on your device. If you were hoping you’d be able to uninstall these applications, you’re out of luck. They appear to be locked down by Big Red. The lack of ability to uninstall useless applications gives the Spectrum a half-point ding in this category.

10. Differentiating Factor

Customers who walk into Verizon’s store will be pitting the LG Spectrum against dozens of other Android devices out there. Even with the $199 price point, the Spectrum’s immediate competition will be the recently discounted Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound smartphones. Customers willing to spend a bit more will even consider the Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR Maxx devices against the Spectrum.

For the Spectrum to succeed, it will need to immediately catch the eye of the customer. Frankly, it is our opinion that the LG Spectrum does not do enough to differentiate itself from the competition in a good way. Several other devices have a 720p screen, feel better in the hands, or have an arguably better user interface than the Spectrum.

Final Thoughts

LG Spectrum6 / 10

Verizon customers have a nearly infinite level of choice when it comes to which device is going to find its way into their pockets. Going up against the similarly priced Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound, the Spectrum fails to differentiate itself as the better choice, even more so when you consider the RAZR Maxx and Galaxy Nexus devices.

As always, the choice of which smartphone will be your next device is yours and yours alone, and we encourage you to spend some hands-on time with the device for yourself before making that decision; the Spectrum may very well be your preferred device in Verizon’s lineup, you just won’t likely find it in any of our hands.

Sorry about the fingerprints in the gallery below. I wiped the phone multiple times during the photo shoot, but this thing shows prints like no tomorrow, front and back!

Anthony loves all things technology, from hardware to apps and games. You can connect with him via Google+ or Twitter by clicking one of the fancy doo-dads above.

Most Tweeted This Week

Looks like a nice phone. To bad LG couldn’t have went more of the stock android route like they did with the g2x.

Angie Wimberly

I love your dog :)

Jorge Vieira

Love beagels who ever dared gave it a negative must be a cat person lol

RRR

Can we call 2012 a year of 4-core, 720p screen, 5+” size, full day charge smartphones?

Well, the Spectrum succeeds to fulfill only one point — 720p.

Seen both Spectrum and Nitro and finally was kind of satisfied with the screen true RGB 720 lines resolution when you do not see screen pixelation and can read sites without zoom. Still I’d love to see AMOLED with RGB matrix instead. And 4.5″ size was not much different then my current 4″, so i need more like one in the Note.

Jorge Vieira

Ive used a couple LG phones and the only good one was def the g2x every other phone since just always seems to be subpar. Its very dissapointing.

Lg should have done like they have done on some of their other devices and allow the user to choose between their skin and stock.

Richard Yarrell

Typical Lg…

squiddy20

Typical Dick dissing a phone he’s never owned, let alone touched. The same typical Dick who thinks whatever phone he currently owns “rules all” simply because he owns it. What a dope…

Richard Yarrell

I have had the Lg Revolution in my world this is still the same device my friend you should try purchasing something new for a change. Your simply a SAD person stuck in 2009 with your crusty useless device the Samsung Momment. Rooted or not it’s just as useless as you are

squiddy20

“I have had the Lg Revolution in my world this is still the same device”
Well then, “your world” is pretty fucked up since the two phones look nothing alike. Not to mention the fact (again) that you’ve never even held the Spectrum, so you have no way of knowing for sure if it is indeed the “same device”. The software might look the same but maybe it performs slightly differently. Maybe, as is typical of new releases, the Spectrum is better than the Revolution, which was released a few months shy of a year ago. Typical little you forming opinions of a device/phone he’s never even seen. Isn’t that basically a form of stereotyping? “I’ve seen one I’ve seen ‘em all”? Really?
“Rooted or not it’s just as useless as you are” Well with that mentality, I know you’ll never be rooting your “bitch slapping” Galaxy Nexus. See, rooting is about openness, acceptance, and community. You aren’t open to anything other than what you’ve got in your grubby fat fingers, you don’t accept other people’s views and instead say they’re “wrong” or “useless”, and you most certainly are not about community when you insult me based upon the fact that I have a 2 year old phone that you feel I “need” to root in order for it work. Such a sad fat little child you are. You want to have a temper tantrum like a snotty 9 year old? Fine. Go sit in a corner for your time out.

redraider133

so hd screen, dual core processor, more ram are the same phone? Then again of course it is since you were the same one saying the thunderbolt was the exact same phone as the thunderbolt…..

bd1212

I think the Spectrum is alright, but the best phone on Verizon is the Rezound, IMO.

delinear

When will manufacturers and networks realise the connection between lower scores and not using vanilla Android? This could easily have scored an extra point or two if it came with un-modified ICS out of the box.

redraider133

You do realize how low the nexus scores on those quadrants yet it is still smoother than any other android on verizon including those who get a “higher score” Benchmarks mean very little unless you are one of those who likes to run around saying my phone scored higher than yours.

mike g

i HAVE THE spectrum, and i love it! i researched it before i got it, Its crazy fast and has a great screen, in fact the best out there, the one thing is that the battery takes forever to fully charge and it is very crappy, I also have a motorola atrix2 for att, i love that one to still it doesnt compete! I cant wait for the updat for icecream sandwich!

yankeesusa

That’s one thing ive noticed from lg, their phones all look the same. I know htc makes phones that have same form factor but they tweak little things so you can tell them apart, but htc just clones their phones and changes the insides. Hopefully they’ll get a little better at that.

triangle

Nice review. I totally agree with you. LG needs something to differentiate and maybe going to stock would be the best way to do it since they don’t seem to have the resources to develop something better.

Schmidty850

Kind of an ugly looking phone. Like someone said earlier, seems to be a huge fingerprint magnet. Otherwise the features seem pretty nice on the phone

Sonya

I’ve had trouble hearing my son when he calls me from his Spectrum. Sounds like he has a pillowcase over his head. Hubby complains of the same thing when he talks to me and I’m on my Spectrum. Love the phone. But hate the complaints, especially since my phone is part of my job. Any others with the same problem?

Terry

Yes, the sound quality is horrible on my new Spectrum. People tell me I sound muffled or talking through a barrel.

Amy

Having the same problem with my spectrum. Anyone know of any solutions or is this a problem with the phone

William

I’ve had this phone for week and am on my way to take it back. The sound quality is AWFUL, I can hear other callers, but I sound like I’m calling from the moon. Who cares about anything else when the PHONE part works like crap.